They were the largest and most modern flats in Europe when constructed in the 1930s. Quarry Hill Flats provided a home sweet home for generations of residents. It featured revolutionary amenities like a nursery, laundrette, and swimming pool. Yet structural defects, dampness, and poor maintenance meant by the 1970s the flats were in poor condition prompting plans for their demolition. Demolition began with Jackson House on September 25, 1975 and the whole complex was levelled by June 1978. These photos showcase the beginning of the end and highlight the demise and decay as the walls came tumbling down forever. READ MORE: 25 of the most talked about Leeds Quarry Hill Flats photos LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Quarry Hill Flats
Quarry Hill Flats from across a car park in September 1975. | Leeds Museums Service Photo: Leeds Museums Service
2. Quarry Hill Flats
Two people are seen coming through one of the arched entrances at Quarry Hill Flats circa 1974/75. The photo shows the flats in a dilapidated state with some broken window panes. | Josef Schwarz Photo: Josef Schwarz
3. Quarry Hill Flats
Quarry Hill Flats showing Oastler House. St. Peter's Street runs along in front of the flats towards Eastgate Roundabout just off the photo to the left. Pictured circa 1970 to 1973. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Quarry Hill Flats
A view looking through a broken window in one block of Quarry Hill Flats (possibly Moynihan House) towards another block (York House). The flats were in the process of demolition at the time when this photo was taken in 1977. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Quarry Hill Flats
Quarry Hill Flats in the process of demolition in 1977. In the centre is Jackson House, much of which has already been demolished, with only the middle section remaining. On the far right the edge of Wright House can be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Quarry Hill Flats
Close up of part of Quarry Hill Flats at the time that much of the site was in the process of demolition in 1977. It would appear that at least one of the flats here is still occupied, with clothes seen hanging in the balcony. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net